Boosting SME Finance for Growth : The Case for More Effective Support Policies
This report offers strategic and actionable guidance to policymakers in strengthening their access to finance policies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This report emphasizes the need to improve the enabling environment for SME debt and equity financing. It outlines a roadmap of eight key actions to guide policymakers in achieving this. While such reforms are necessary, they are often insufficient to fully address SME financing constraints. Targeted financial programs thus remain essential to bridge the financing gaps effectively. This report outlines seven actions to improve the design and implementation of these interventions to maximize their impact and the effective use of public funding. This report also underscores the importance of a tailored approach to address the distinct challenges faced by specific SME segments, particularly those of women-owned (and led) SMEs, SMEs in agriculture, SMEs in fragile and conflict-affected states, and those seeking financing for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
WeGro, a leading agri-fintech in Bangladesh, joins the SME Finance Forum
Washington D.C, July 15, 2024 – WeGro, a leading agri-fintech in Bangladesh has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest member. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation.
“It is with great pleasure I welcome WeGro to SME Finance Forum which is in line with our strategy of onboarding leading fintech in emerging markets for impact,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum.
WeGro is a tech-based startup that is working towards revolutionizing the archaic agriculture industry by integrating the latest technology in all aspects of the agri-supply chain facilitating small holder farmers access to finance, inputs and markets.
“We at WeGro are delighted to join the SME Finance Forum. This global network offers invaluable learning opportunities to enhance our mission-driven approach, developing a sustainable impact in the agri-fintech sector.,” said Md Mahmudur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO of WeGro.
SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSMEs Growth
The SME Finance Forum, backed by G20 and IFC/World Bank, is the leading global network of 300+ members/affiliates operating in 190 countries. Network comprises of SME focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services- banks, non-banks financial institutions, fintech, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain linked players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting houses, knowledge aggregators.
Our member, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning/replicating best practices from across the world, innovating new products for business growth, acquiring risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and being recognized amongst a peer group of global innovators. Our products consist of “members only” solutions (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and trainings, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public good services (200+ publications library, 500+ videos, webinars, newsletters, trainings, annual awards, annual event etc.)
Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates:
https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list
https://smefinanceforum.org/about/partners
About WeGro
WeGro is a tech-based startup that is working towards revolutionizing the archaic agriculture industry by integrating the latest technology in all aspects of the agri-supply chain facilitating small holder farmers access to finance, inputs and markets.
Learn more:
Website: www.wegro.global
Bank of Kigali, the largest bank in Rwanda by total assets, joins the SME Finance Forum
Washington D.C, July 11, 2024 – Bank of Kigali, the largest bank in Rwanda by total assets has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest member. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation.
“SME Finance Forum proudly welcomes leading bank in Rwanda to our network. It is with great pleasure I welcome Bank of Kigali to SME Finance Forum which is in line with our strategy of onboarding leading bank in emerging markets for impact,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum.
Bank of Kigali (www.bk.rw) is the largest bank in Rwanda by total assets, with a 33.6% market share as of 31st March 2015. The Bank currently has 73 branches in Rwanda and provides retail and commercial banking services to over 300,000 individuals and over 24,000 legal entities. In 2011, the Bank became the second domestic company to be listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange in an Initial Public Offer that was recognized as the Best African Listing by Africa Investor (Al). The Bank was awarded the 2015 African Banker Award for Best Bank in East Africa as well as the 2014 Euromoney Award for Excellence for the second year in a row. Since 2009, the Bank has been recognized for six years running as the Best Bank in Rwanda by Emeafinance and for five years as Bank of the Year by The Banker. The Bank has a short term credit rating of A1+ and a long term rating of AA- with a stable outlook.
“As we embark on this journey with the SME Finance Forum, we enjoy the privileges of being an SME Finance Forum Member with its membership services,” said Mr. Darius Mukunzi, Head of SME at Bank of Kigali.
SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSMEs Growth
The SME Finance Forum, backed by G20 and IFC/World Bank, is the leading global network of 300+ members/affiliates operating in 190 countries. Network comprises of SME focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services- banks, non-banks financial institutions, fintech, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain linked players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting houses, knowledge aggregators.
Our member, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning/replicating best practices from across the world, innovating new products for business growth, acquiring risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and being recognized amongst a peer group of global innovators. Our products consist of “members only” solutions (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and trainings, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public good services (200+ publications library, 500+ videos, webinars, newsletters, trainings, annual awards, annual event etc.)
Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates:
https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list
https://smefinanceforum.org/about/partners
About Bank of Kigali
Bank of Kigali (www.bk.rw) is the largest bank in Rwanda by total assets, with a 33.6% market share as of 31st March 2015. The Bank currently has 73 branches in Rwanda and provides retail and commercial banking services to over 300,000 individuals and over 24,000 legal entities. In 2011, the Bank became the second domestic company to be listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange in an Initial Public Offer that was recognized as the Best African Listing by Africa Investor (Al). The Bank was awarded the 2015 African Banker Award for Best Bank in East Africa as well as the 2014 Euromoney Award for Excellence for the second year in a row. Since 2009, the Bank has been recognized for six years running as the Best Bank in Rwanda by Emeafinance and for five years as Bank of the Year by The Banker. The Bank has a short term credit rating of A1+ and a long term rating of AA- with a stable outlook.
Learn more:
Website: http://www.bk.rw
Amret, a leading microfinance institution and one of the top 10 financial institutions in Cambodia, joins the SME Finance Forum
Washington D.C, May 20, 2024 – Amret Microfinance Institution, a Cambodia leading microfinance institution and one of the top 10 financial institutions in the country has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest member. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation.
“SME Finance Forum proudly welcomes leading microfinance institution for MSMEs in Cambodia to our network. It is with great pleasure I welcome Amret to SME Finance Forum which is in line with our strategy of onboarding leading MSME lending institution in emerging markets for impact,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum.
Amret is a leading microfinance institution and one of the top 10 financial institutions in Cambodia. A full subsidiary of the Advans Group, a leading international microfinance group, Amret has prestigious international shareholders and respected national and international reputations as a responsible and innovative institution. Throughout its evolution, Amret has stayed true to its mission - to provide underserved clients with financial services tailored to their needs.
“SME Finance Forum is a place where we could access various data source and get up-to-date information of current economy and fin-tech. Furthermore, as a financial institution we foresee that we could build up more network, get new business partnership, and lift up our brand image,” said Mr. Dos Dinn, CEO of Amret Microfinance Institution.
SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSMEs Growth
The SME Finance Forum, set up by G20 and managed by IFC, is the leading global network of 300+ members/affiliates operating in 190 countries. Network comprises of SME focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services- banks, non-banks financial institutions, fintech, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain linked players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting houses, knowledge aggregators.
Our member, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning/replicating best practices from across the world, innovating new products for business growth, acquiring risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and being recognized amongst a peer group of global innovators. Our products consist of “members only” solutions (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and trainings, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public good services (200+ publications library, 500+ videos, webinars, newsletters, trainings, annual awards, annual event etc.)
Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates:
https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list
https://smefinanceforum.org/about/partners
About Amret Microfinance Institution
Amret is one of the top 10 financial institutions in Cambodia with impact. Amret serves more than 600,000 clients ranging from low- income farmers to SMEs for both lending and deposit products. Amret has 150 branches in 24 cities and provinces nationwide employing more than 4,700 personnel. Amret has assets to almost USD 2 billion and deposits exceeding nearly to USD 1 billion. Amret is a subsidiary of the Advans Group, a leading international microfinance group providing financial services to low-income segments and SMEs that are underserved or unbanked. FMO and IFC are two other shareholders.
Learn more:
Website: https://www.amret.com.kh/
Telegram: https://t.me/AmretMFI
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amretmfikh
Twitter: https://www.youtube.com/@amretmfi8179
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amret/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amret.mfi?igsh=MXhmNjhkNWZmMGN1aw==
